Wrinkles, crow's feet, hollowed cheeks, atrophied lips. We all hate the telltale signs of ageing. But thanks to modern science, you can now restore your youthful radiance with these cosmetic injectable procedures, without going under the knife.

Botox

• Action: Botulinum as muscle-relaxing agent.
• Treats: Frown lines and crow's feet associated with facial expression (dynamic wrinkles), drooping eyebrows.
• Lasts: 3-4 months.
• Possible Side-Effects: Numbness, bruising, swelling and redness. If overdosed or improperly injected, the patient can be left with droopy eyelids or immobile face until the effect wears off.

Botox is a plant neurotoxin (Botulinum) that is injected into the face or neck to soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial movements. These are called dynamic lines or wrinkles, lines that appear with movement and activity of facial muscles.

Botox works by paralysing facial muscles around the site of injection, thereby reducing the muscle contractions that cause creasing and wrinkling. It is ideal for vertical frown lines and is typically injected in between the eyebrows to curb habitual frowning or scowling, but some doctors are using it on other parts of the face as well--to reduce wrinkles on the neck, lift the eyebrows and even to soften square jawlines (square jaw reduction).

Numbing before injection can be requested, but it is not necessary. Usually, Botox will start to take effect within 1-2 weeks after the procedure and lasts for about 3 months, but should become permanent after several injections when you've successfully kicked the frowning habit.